US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack conveyed Washington’s deep concern over the Israeli airstrikes in northern Syria, saying the attacks had increased regional tensions.
Barrack described Israel’s strikes on Abu Zuhur Military Air Base as “an unnecessary escalation” that does not contribute to regional stability.
Runway at Abu Zuhur hit
An Israeli aircraft targeted the runway of Abu Zuhur Military Air Base, located in the eastern countryside of Idlib in northern Syria, early Tuesday. Eight airstrikes were carried out against the base.
The attacks caused material damage to the air base’s infrastructure, but no casualties were reported.
Barrack backs Ahmed al-Sharaa government
Barrack said the government of Ahmed al-Sharaa had not taken an aggressive stance and did not maintain proxy forces. He said the government had repeatedly shown that it preferred to reduce tensions with Israel.
Barrack said the United States would continue to host talks, as it had in the past, to encourage diplomatic contacts between the two countries. He added that diplomatic efforts should take precedence over military tensions.